IC Directors’ Meeting Highlights — Thursday, March 23, 2017

Announcements – Francis Collins

Dr. Collins (DIR) provided updates on Administration and Congressional items, including the President’s proposed budget and the upcoming appropriations hearings. He reported on an upcoming meeting of the Advisory Council to the NIH Director (ACD) to discuss implementation of the NIH activities outlined in the 21st Century Cures Act, allocation of resources at the NIH Clinical Center, and ongoing strategies to increase funding for young investigators.

Diversity Policy – Mike Lauer and Jon Lorsch

Dr. Lauer (DDER) and Dr. Lorsch (NIGMS) presented NIH Steering Committee recommendations on a proposal to make changes to language in the diversity funding announcements. The most recent change was in 2015. Discussion focused on changes to awards made to researchers from underrepresented groups since the modifications were made in 2015 and additional suggestions for the current proposal.